Defy Mortgage Review
Founded 2020 · Fort Lauderdale, FL · Nationwide
3.9
Editor Rating
Defy Mortgage is a non-QM lender offering DSCR, bank statement, and asset depletion loans for real estate investors. Known for aggressive marketing and competitive rates on non-QM products.
Editor's Take
Defy Mortgage is strongest for Airbnb/STR investors who need a DSCR lender that explicitly accepts short-term rental income. Their STR DSCR programs use AirDNA data for income qualification, which is more generous than lenders requiring traditional leases. If you're building an STR portfolio, Defy understands the business model. Verify all terms in writing — their marketing is aggressive and may not match final loan docs.
— Bill Rice, 30+ year mortgage lending veteran
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strong STR/Airbnb DSCR programs
- Bank statement and asset depletion products
- Low credit minimums
- Foreign national programs
- Competitive non-QM rates
Cons
- Newer company (2020) — shorter track record
- No fix-and-flip or bridge products
- Marketing can oversell — verify terms carefully
Loan Products Offered
Eligible Property Types
Best For
Compare Defy Mortgage
Defy Mortgage Review: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Defy Mortgage a legitimate lender?
Defy Mortgage is an established lender founded in 2020 and headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, FL. It lends nationwide and specializes in DSCR loans and bank statement loans. To verify it for yourself, confirm Defy Mortgage's current NMLS registration and state licensing, check its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile and reviews, and compare written quotes before you apply.
What are the pros and cons of Defy Mortgage?
Pros: Strong STR/Airbnb DSCR programs; Bank statement and asset depletion products; Low credit minimums. Cons: Newer company (2020) — shorter track record; No fix-and-flip or bridge products; Marketing can oversell — verify terms carefully.
Does Defy Mortgage offer bank statement loans?
Yes. Defy Mortgage offers bank statement loan programs that qualify self-employed borrowers using 12–24 months of bank deposits instead of tax returns or W-2s — useful for investors with non-traditional income.
What credit score do you need for Defy Mortgage?
Defy Mortgage's published minimum credit score is 620. A higher score generally unlocks better rates and higher leverage. Requirements vary by loan program and are subject to change.
What rates and fees does Defy Mortgage charge?
Defy Mortgage's rates run approximately 6.5%–9% with origination fees of 0–2 points, on loans from $100K to $3M (up to 80% LTV). All figures are approximate and subject to change — request a written quote for your scenario.
Can you close with Defy Mortgage in an LLC?
Yes. Defy Mortgage allows investors to take title in an LLC, which many use for liability protection and cleaner portfolio organization.
How fast can Defy Mortgage close a loan?
Defy Mortgage typically closes in 21–30 days, depending on the loan program, the property, and how quickly you provide documentation.
Disclaimer: Rates, terms, and requirements shown are approximate and based on publicly available information as of March 2026. Actual terms may vary based on your credit profile, property details, and market conditions. Always verify current terms directly with the lender before making financing decisions. ProInvestorHub provides editorial reviews for educational purposes and does not guarantee loan approval or specific terms.